SC Highway Patrol Trooper Remains in Critical Condition

For Immediate Release
August 11, 2025
Contact: Kyle McGahee, DPS Office of Public Affairs, 803-896-8747

Trooper First Class Dennis Ricks remains in critical condition on Monday, August 11 after being struck by a box truck while performing a traffic stop on I-26 EB near mile marker 165 around 2 a.m. Sunday, August 10.

TFC Ricks was in a marked South Carolina Highway Patrol vehicle at the time of the incident with his blue lights activated. He was transported to a hospital in North Charleston where he remains in critical condition on Monday, August 11.

TFC Ricks has been with the South Carolina Highway Patrol since January 2023. He is assigned to Troop 7, Post B, which includes Calhoun and Orangeburg Counties.

“Trooper First Class Ricks has a passion for serving his community well every single day. Alongside his wife and family, his brothers and sisters in uniform are praying hard for his recovery,” said SCHP Colonel Christopher Williamson.

Orangeburg County Sheriff’s Office remains the lead on the investigation, but they have asked Lexington County Sheriff’s Department to assist in the traffic portion of the investigation.

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety includes the Highway Patrol, State Transport Police, Bureau of Protective Services, Office of Highway Safety and Justice Programs and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Hall of Fame. Our mission is to ensure public safety by protecting and serving the people of South Carolina and its visitors.